Jeffrey Hull wrote:That said, if someone does not like "play" then why not just call it "move"? That says it all - they are each moves, after all, are they not?

I was always under the impression that a "play" was a collection of the attacks and responses that go together, where as a "move" would be just one thing like doing A zornhau.

Actually, in an article that Eric Myers and I did for a book, that apparently will never be published due to "that publishing issue" we had individual techniques, phrases, and plays identified in Gome de Figueiredo's Memorial - as he had in his avisos section what techniques "turned into" which other techniques, and then these were grouped as phrases that served some short term tactical purpose, that then were grouped into an overall tactical objective. Which cuts turned best into which thrusts for example to clear the center and then make the opponent back away, as part of fighting several folks in front of you.Steve

Not exactly following the main thrust of the discussion, but "Jeu de la Hache" is of course "Play of the Axe" or "Axeplay," which is possibly more like the modern term "swordplay" than speaking of a "play." However, I suspect there is a connection between the term swordplay and plays of the sword.

Also, I find it interesting (and often point out to novices) that in English we often refer to swordplay and footwork. Swordplay is fun, footwork is arduous.

I personally tend to use the term sequence. I don't think I have consistent terminology for the smaller bits, but looking at it now, I would call them actions, and the parts of an action I would call a motion. So you tie the motions of the body, feet and hands together to make an action, and a series of actions is a sequence.

I personally tend to use the term sequence. I don't think I have consistent terminology for the smaller bits, but looking at it now, I would call them actions, and the parts of an action I would call a motion. So you tie the motions of the body, feet and hands together to make an action, and a series of actions is a sequence

I like these. They may not be historical, but they are unambiguous and require very little explanation to the uninitiated.

Personally, I've always seen the term "play" as an abbreviation of "swordplay". The modern usage of "swordplay" is more generic, but I see no issue with calling a sequence of attacks and counters "a swordplay", and shortening that to "a play".

Also, I think it's good to come to some sort of agreement on terminology to facilitate communication, but I don't know how much sense it makes to try and be strict about using the terminology in the manuals. We're dealing with living languages, and the meanings of words change over time.